Editor's note: Every NFL team is preparing to attack its offseason to-do list, with free agency set to open March 12 and the draft April 25-27. This is the 24th of 32 reports in 32 days by Sporting News NFL correspondents, who will analyze the offseason game plan for each team. Up next: Arizona Cardinals.

Talent overview

The 2013 season will be a make-or-break year for the Tennessee Titans, from coach Mike Munchak to starting quarterback Jake Locker. Another bad season, and the team will be starting over in 2014.

Simply put, 90-year-old owner Bud Adams is running out of time and patience.

There's plenty of work to be done this offseason. The Titans have young talent on the roster, but they must work magic to get things turned around quickly.

Indications are the team will be active in free agency, a year after they were hamstrung during a failed chase for veteran quarterback Peyton Manning.

While the Titans pursued Manning and waited for him to make a decision last year, some of their other targets signed elsewhere. There should be no waiting this time.

The Titans need help in the offensive and defensive lines, among other places. Across the board, they definitely need to upgrade the NFL's most porous defense from a year ago by adding veterans to a group that was among the youngest in the league. No team in the league allowed more points (471) than the Titans in 2012.

Before the franchise tag deadline on Monday, look for the team to apply the label to tight end Jared Cook, a player with big potential. The team would also like to retain defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks but fear he might test the market.

Key departures

Marks was the team's best defensive tackle last season, but if the Titans can't get him under contract before free agency begins, he could become the big one that got away. He's expected to draw plenty of interest if he reaches the market.

With more than $18 million in cap room, the Titans don't have to release anyone for cap space, but that doesn't mean they won't part ways with some veterans with big price tags.

Interior offensive linemen Steve Hutchinson and Eugene Amano are both coming off surgeries and have big salaries. If the Titans find other players at their positions in free agency or the draft, they could be let go.

Needs/targets

1. Guard/center. Hutchinson is coming off knee surgery and a year in which he didn't play especially well. He's scheduled to be paid nearly $5 million this season. Amano is coming off triceps surgery, and after missing the entire 2012 season he's scheduled to be paid roughly $4 million. The Titans are prepared to change the look of the interior line, and these two are likely in trouble.

There's a chance the Titans could have as many as three new starters up front this fall. They will explore center/guards in free agency, where Buffalo's Andy Levitre should interest them.

The draft is loaded at the position, including Alabama's Chance Warmack and North Carolina's Jonathan Cooper, so there's a chance the Titans could address the position early. If they fill another need with the 10th overall pick, Kentucky guard Larry Warford is an option in the second round.

2. Defensive line. The Titans didn't get nearly the production they were looking for from the defensive front last season — especially at end. Derrick Morgan led the team with just 6.5 sacks while free-agent acquisition Kamerion Wimbley had six. Finding a pass rusher is a priority.

Defensive tackle also probably must be addressed, with Marks likely to hit the open market. The Titans want to get bigger and better in the trenches. They offered a contract to defensive tackle Chris Canty, who was cut by the New York Giants.

3. Safety. The recent addition of veteran George Wilson was a big plus, but the Titans need more help at the position. Michael Griffin and Wilson are the expected combination at safety, but the team would like to upgrade the position further.

Texas' Kenny Vaccaro and Florida's Matt Elam are the best in the draft class if the Titans decided to pull the trigger early. If they address the position later, they could get a quality player in Louisiana State's Eric Reid.

4. Running back.Chris Johnson wants to carry more of a load while the Titans seem intent on relieving some of the pressure on the sixth-year pro. Indications are the team has run out of patience with Javon Ringer, Johnson's backup the past few seasons who hasn't been able to stay healthy. The Titans plan to look for a bigger back that can get the tough yards near the goal line and in short-yardage situations.

5. Linebacker. There is plenty of talent here — with third-year players Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers along with second-year pro Zach Brown — but not a lot of experience. Will Witherspoon was the veteran leader in 2012, but he lost his starting spot last fall and isn't expected to be back this year. The Titans hope to find a veteran who can play inside and outside and provide leadership for a young group.

Wyatt’s take

The Titans didn't look anything close to a playoff contender while finishing 6-10 in 2012, and the team has plenty of work to do to catch up with the Houston Texans in the AFC South.

Though I expect the Titans to make much-needed additions, ultimately plenty will hinge on the play — and health — of Locker. If he improves significantly, so can the Titans. But too many things must fall into place.

If Adams issues a "playoffs or pink slips" command to his coaching staff, then Munchak is in trouble. The Titans have a chance to get back to .500 with an upgraded roster from a rebuilding process. But expecting huge improvements and a trip to the playoffs is probably too optimistic.